For Dr. Jennifer Raska, opening her own practice was more than just a professional goal — it was a personal mission inspired by her family.
After a decade of caring for patients in West Hartford, she realized there was a need for a family-centered eye care provider. This inspired her to establish Central Eye Care, a practice dedicated to serving patients of all ages with compassion, innovation and expertise.
“For as long as I can remember, I aspired to open my own practice,” says Dr. Raska. “Both professionally and personally, I saw a need within our community for an eye care provider that caters to the entire family.”
Dr. Raska's inspiration to become an optometrist traces back to her childhood, when her sister – who had a disability - received her first pair of glasses.
“I saw firsthand how life-changing something as simple as a pair of glasses could be,” she reflects.
At Central Eye Care, she strives to provide a seamless experience for families.
“As a mother, I value a provider's office that is willing to see my children and my parents, all under one roof and close to home,” she explains.
Dr. Raska partnered with Emily Evans, who played a pivotal role in curating the optical collections at Central Eye Care. The practice offers a hand-selected assortment of frames that combine quality, affordability and style. Many collections come with a 2–3-year warranty, ensuring patients can trust their investment for years to come.
Central Eye Care prides itself on investing in state-of-the-art technology to improve patient outcomes. Retinal imaging devices, for example, provide highly detailed images that allow Dr. Raska to monitor structural changes in the eye down to the micron. This precision enables earlier detection and treatment of potentially serious conditions.
“Technology enhances my ability to provide the best care possible,” she emphasizes. “With advanced imaging, we no longer have to wait for profound visual loss before addressing visually threatening conditions.”
Dr. Raska's expertise extends beyond routine eye exams. Her specialized training in pediatric and non-verbal care ensures she can meet the unique needs of patients like her sister. Additionally, she has a passion for fitting complex contact lenses, helping those who have struggled with limited vision in the past.
“Fitting challenging contact lenses can be incredibly rewarding,” says Dr. Raska. “Improving a patient’s vision quickly with non-invasive techniques can significantly enhance their quality of life.”
Her dedication to this specialty has led to her recent appointment as a Clinical Instructor at her alma mater, The New England College of Optometry, where she teaches the specialty contact lens course.
Dr. Raska is a strong advocate for proactive eye care. She encourages families to prioritize regular comprehensive eye exams, particularly for children.
“Seventy percent of learning comes from vision,” she explains. “A complete eye exam before a child starts kindergarten is a great place to start.”
She emphasizes that routine eye exams can uncover conditions like amblyopia that may not be apparent through standard vision screenings. By detecting these issues early, treatment outcomes improve dramatically.
Central Eye Care's dedication extends beyond the walls of the practice. Dr. Raska and her team are committed to community outreach, with a particular focus on pediatric vision care.
“We intend to get involved in vision screenings throughout our community,” she shares. “We want to ensure that children receive the care they need before vision issues impact their development.”
Central Eye Care
28 North Main St., Suite 102
Phone: 860-206-3060
Online: centraleyecare2020.com
Email: centraleyecare2020@gmail.com
I saw a need within our community for an eye care provider that caters to the entire family.